The first of many walks to benefit the Christie group of hospitals

Saturday 5th July 2025
Macclesfield to Manchester

Our 2025 Goal

£5000.00

Why me? Why now?

Well, where to start…

Hi, I’m Mark Love, a lifelong resident of Cheadle Hulme in Cheshire. Over the years, I’ve always tried to do my bit for charity — whether that’s been abseiling down buildings, running 10k races, or more recently, taking on long walks. Altogether, I’ve managed to raise around £20,000 through various fundraising efforts, and I’m incredibly proud of that.

In 2023, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with kidney cancer. The diagnosis led to the removal of my left kidney — not straightforward in my case, as I was born with a rare condition known as a horseshoe kidney. This means my kidneys never fully separated in the womb and were joined at the bottom, sitting lower in the body and either side of the spine. It’s not something that ever caused me trouble before, but it certainly made the surgery more complex.

Thanks to an incredible surgical team, the operation was a success. While I’ve still got the scars and recovery has taken longer than I would have liked, I’m now back on my feet — a bit like an oddly-shaped Build-A-Bear, but one that works just fine!

The past couple of years have been tough. I’ve struggled with motivation and health after surgery, and sadly, I’ve also experienced some heartbreaking personal losses. A very close friend of mine, who had his kidney removed just four weeks before me, passed away. More recently, I lost my sister after her courageous 14-year battle with cancer. Like so many others, cancer has touched too many corners of my life — friends, colleagues, extended family — all affected in some way by this relentless disease.

That’s why I’ve decided to take on a new challenge — a charity walk from Macclesfield to Manchester on 5th July 2025, raising funds for The Christie, a cause very close to my heart.

So why walk?

Walking for the Christie

I hit the two-year cancer-free mark on April 1st, 2025 — just a week after losing my sister. That’s when I decided to take on a walking challenge to raise money for The Christie. I met with their wonderful team in Manchester, but instead of joining an official run or event, I chose to create my own walking fundraiser — something that suits me better physically.

The idea started when I thought about how much I’d give to chat with my sister or mates again. That led to a challenge: walk 1,000,001 steps — roughly 746 km or 465 miles. That’s about 95–100 miles a month, which felt huge considering that, as recently as October 2024, I struggled to walk a mile without needing a break.

There are no strict rules or timeframes — just steady progress. The first couple of weeks were brutal, but by late May, I was ahead of schedule and confident I could finish in three months.

I’ve even started a local walking group, the SK8 Strollers, and I’m working on setting up an SK8 5k and 10k walking challenge, both to raise money for The Christie and to help others get active too.

This walk is just one of three slightly mad plans I’ve got brewing. The Christie supports patients at their main site in Manchester (Withington) and across locations in Macclesfield, Oldham, and Salford — so every step really does help make a difference.

The Challenge

So here it is — a proper challenge for those who love a walk that’s a bit tougher than usual and want to give something back. This isn’t an organised race with road closures and fanfare. It’s something I’ve created off my own bat: a 16.5-mile charity walk from Macclesfield to The Christie in Manchester, happening on Saturday 5th July 2025.

My goal? To raise money, get people moving, and create something we can build on — maybe make it a yearly tradition, start more local walking clubs, and continue raising awareness and funds for The Christie. They’ve been brilliant to me, and it’s time I give something back, with your help.

I will use my own just giving page, the 1million and 1m and target everyone to raise a minimum of £50.00 towards Christies, however I need to cover some costs only. Therefore I ask everyone to make an entry fee. You won’t get Marshalls and you won’t get a band but you will be supporting an amazing cause!

What you will get

This isn’t a commercial event — it’s grassroots, heartfelt, and 100% for a good cause. Here’s what you can expect:

A medal – because everyone loves a bit of bling at the finish line
Priority entry to any future events I cook up
Refreshment stops – with water, sports drinks, gels, and first aid kits at two planned points
Cake! – a big one, waiting for you at the finish line
Transport – back to Stockport or Cheadle Hulme from just outside The Christie (bus fare covered)
(Possible) T-shirt or memento – if not, I’ll make sure there’s a little keepsake for your effort

All this, for a £25.00 contribution to cover basic costs. No profit, no gimmicks. Any leftover money will be offered back.

What I’m Asking From You

Entry fee: £25.00 – paid via BACS (details sent after you message me)
Fundraising target: minimum £50.00 sponsorship via my JustGiving page

This is a 6-hour walk (give or take), with stops around the 2.5-hour and 4-hour marks. The second stop will be at The Kenilworth Pub in Cheadle Hulme.

If you’re speedy and finish early — or even decide to run — just track it on Strava and send me a photo, and I’ll pop your medal in the post.

We’ve already got 20 amazing people signed up, and I’d love for you to join us.

How to Join

Over 18s only (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
Send your £25.00 entry fee via BACS – just email me at pudlax@gmail.com or message me through the Facebook group Macclesfield to Manchester for Christies and I’ll send you the payment details.
Once paid, join the Facebook page and start sharing your story!

This isn’t just a walk — it’s a community effort.
Let’s raise some money, remember the people we’ve lost, and do something brilliant together.

Join Us

The Journey

July 5th 2025 – Macclesfield Christie to Withington Christie Hospital

Our route for the day

July the 5^th 9.45 for Photographs – and a strict 10.00 start.- If possible for Facebookers, we would ask if you could livestream the event to get more donation interaction.
Out of the Hospital and head towards Westminster Road,/ Albion Road @ Packhorse Bowling Club, Then right on to Albion
100 yards on the right you take a path down to The River Bollin, turning immediately left and paths and fields to Prestbury Village, coming out at the Legh Arms
Turning right as you face the Legh arms towards the station, taking Bollin Grove on your left after a few hundred yards, then subsequently Brocklehurt Drive on your right, finally on Butley Lanes but turn left here
This is a winding road until finally coming out at Bonis Hall Lane B5338 which will eventually change its name to Wilmslow Road, past Sidney Jackson & sons Ford Dealer
Much further down is the JParker Garden Centre, Mottram St Andrew.
The Next roundabout after a few yards is a few yards before the Unicorn Pub and a Shell Petrol station
Here I believe is 2.5 hours into the walk– Where we plan to have a drink and fuel a 2 to 4-minute break and catch up. Hoping the pub will allow facilities and we can meet family friends here also. Nice 12.30 for some of them
Back out but double back a bit to Wilmslow Road to Davenport Arms Woodford, but taking a left just before on Church Lane to Hall Moss Lane – turning left
Hall Moss to Pingate Lane and Gillbent Road
Stopping for a very brief stop at Hair By Claire, one of the main sponsors.
Next Round over the roundabout to Ravenoak Road, left through Cheadle Hulme Village, via Station Road passed Cheadle Hulme train station
Left at lights, Albert road, then left on to Cheadle Road finally Kenilworth on the left-hand side
This should be 4hrs 10 minutes into the walk or so into the Journey, but another 5-minute break, regroup and hopefully last leg with any of the newcomers doing the last 5 miles
Christies is 4.6 miles from here Wilmslow Road into Cheadle and right to B5095 , Past Abney Hall on Manchester Road
Parrs wood lights direct to Didsbury Village via Main Road, the Didsbury and Cock Inn, in a complete straight Line Until we meet at Christie Main Car park Via Oak Road Entrance for Photos and final greetings

Too much challenge for you?

Join the Short Walk – Cheadle Hulme to The Christie (Approx. 5.5 miles)

If you can’t commit to the full route, you’re welcome to join us at Stop Two – The Kenilworth Pub in Cheadle Hulme for the final leg of the journey. This part of the walk covers around 5.5 miles into Withington, finishing at The Christie.

This option is perfect if you’re short on time or just getting into walking – and you’ll still be a big part of the day and the cause.

What you will get

A shiny finisher’s medal – because everyone loves a bit of bling!
A slice of celebration cake at the finish line
Priority entry to any future events I cook up
Drinks and energy supplies along the route (water, gels, sports drinks)
First aid support and car backup if needed
Transport back to Cheadle Hulme or Stockport – bus fare covered
A mystery gift if T-shirts aren’t available (still in the works!)

Our Sponsors

Become a sponsor

Our Mission

Raising Awareness and Money for the Christie Hospital in Manchester

As the largest Largest single site cancer centre in Europe, the Christie does amazing work in both research and cancer care. They need all our support to keep doing their amazing work.